The Route

EASTBOUND (odd numbered years) – Start at Point State Park in Pittsburgh at 5AM. Head east on the Three Rivers Heritage Trail, better known as the “Jail Trail.” Join the Great Allegheny Passage in McKeesport. Please note, you must cross at the 15th Street Bridge in McKeesport. Continue on the GAP Trail for ~90 miles to Rockwood.

Leave the GAP Trail in Rockwood and from there follow Pennsylvania Bike Route S east.

In Breezewood most riders opt to take the Abandoned Turnpike (Bike 2 Pike) with access from Tannery Rd. Following the “official” Route S is optional at the price of a little extra mileage and a lot of extra climbing. Continue east on Bike Route S.

In Valley Forge (Pawling Rd.) leave route S and join the Schuykill River Trail toward downtown Philadelphia. Find your own way across town to the finish at the Liberty Bell, South 6th Street & Chestnut St.

Westbound (even numbered years) – Start at the Liberty Bell, South 6th St. & Chestnut St., Philadelphia at 5AM. Head northwest across town and join the Schuylkill River Trail near the Art Museum. Follow the SRT north toward Valley Forge.

In Valley Forge make a sharp left, doubling back to exit the SRT at the Pawling Rd. trailhead. From there follow PA Bike Route S, heading west.

In Breezewood most riders opt to take the Abandoned Turnpike (Bike 2 Pike) with access from Pump Station Rd. Following the “official” Route S is optional at the price of a little extra mileage and a lot of extra climbing. Continue west on Bike Route S.

In Rockwood join the Great Allegheny Passage Trail heading west toward Pittsburgh. In McKeesport you must cross the river at the 15th Street Bridge, then join the Three Rivers Heritage Trail (a.k.a. “The Jail Trail,) following it to the finish at Point State Park.

Some good map resources:

PA Bike Route Map

Pittsburgh Bike Map

Schuylkill River Trail Map

Bike 2 Pike (Abandoned PA Turnpike) Map